2023 Volvo EX90 electric SUV: price, specs and release date

The new Volvo EX90 is the premium Swedish brand’s latest range-topping electric SUV. 

Due in 2023, the new Volvo EX90 aims to set standards for luxury, technology and safety, and is the first in a new generation of Volvo EVs.

The new Volvo EX90 will be an electric SUV alternative to the new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and BMW iX, along with the Volvo EX90’s related high-performance cousin, the Polestar 3. Other rivals will include the Tesla Model X and the future Kia EV9, Range Rover EV and the Audi Q8 e-tron.

The new 2023 Volvo EX90 will be a seven-seat EV, just like the current range-topping Volvo XC90. The Swedish firm says the new Volvo EX90 will be sold alongside an updated Volvo XC90, which will continue for the foreseeable future as a range of plug-in hybrid models. This will give a petrol-powered alternative for those who aren’t yet ready to switch into the pure electric new Volvo EX90.

New Volvo EX90 price and release date

The new Volvo EX90 has been revealed in downtown Stockholm in a glamorous world premiere. This is to build interest ahead of its expected release date in autumn 2023. It is expected to go on sale in summer 2023.

The new Volvo EX90 will be more expensive than the current Volvo XC90, which costs from £61,995. At launch, there will be two versions, both in top-spec trim. The Twin Motor Ultra launch model will cost £96,225, and the Twin Motor Performance Ultra will be priced at £100,555. Volvo says these are indicative prices and may be subject to change. 

Once the full range of new Volvo EX90 models is released later in 2024, prices are likely to start from around £75,000. 

New Volvo EX90: exterior and interior

The new Volvo EX90 is a modern and premium-look large SUV. Its pure EV nature is clear from its aerodynamic front end, with a closed grille and smoothly profiled bumper. This gives it an outstanding aerodynamic drag factor Cd from just 0.29 – it’s an SUV that’s as slippery through the air as some sleek saloon cars. 

The new Volvo EX90 has high-tech matrix LED headlights in the firm’s well-loved ‘Thor’s hammer’ layout. They have a pixelated appearance, making the new Volvo EX90 look futuristic. Crisp, tight shut lines give it an expensive, carefully-crafted appearance.

At the top of the windscreen is an innovative lidar unit. This state-of-the-art sensor is fitted as standard to all new Volvo EX90. It ensures the new electric SUV has the hardware necessary for fully autonomous driving in the future. It is backed up by eight cameras, five radars and 16 ultrasonic sensors – there’s even an interior sensor able to detect a sleeping baby.

The crisply-cut side profile of the new Volvo EX90 features well-defined lines that give it a pure yet premium appearance. Retractable door handles enhance the smooth look, as does a gently profiled roofline and extended rear spoiler that further aid aerodynamics. The windows also sit super-flush, again helping it slip through the air.

The rear of the new Volvo EX90 has a new take on the company’s familiar vertical tail lamps. There are light bars either side of the rear screen, which sit above C-shaped lower light units, which have a structural, 3D appearance. They give the new Volvo EX90 a distinctive appearance both day and night.  

The new Volvo EX90 has an extremely welcoming interior, that expertly blends the latest technology with the most luxurious trims and materials. The centrepiece is a 15.0-inch centre screen, which Volvo claims will be one of the best infotainment systems on the market.

With Google fully built-in, the new Volvo EX90 offers hands-free Google Assistant functionality, plus Google Maps sat nav and Google Play apps. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for seamless pairing with your mobile device. Owners will even be able to unlock their new Volvo EX90 with their mobile phone.

The core system is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, which is cutting-edge technology. The new Volvo EX90 will be “a highly advanced computer on wheels”. It even uses the latest 3D gaming tools to serve up “lightning-fast computing power and high-quality graphics”. A standard 5G connection will ensure speedy access to services – and regular over-the-air updates will ensure it’s always fully up-to-date.

The Volvo EX90 will be easy to use despite all the technology that’s packed in, says Volvo. It is designed to the principle of ‘complexity made simple’, to avoid information overload. The display is fully configurable too – with the centre screen complemented by an additional display for the driver to deliver essential information.

The new Volvo EX90 is to offer fully-sustainable wool upholstery, that’s soft and warm to the touch, as part of Volvo’s pledge to phase out the use of leather in its cars. It will use plenty of automotive-grade recycled materials including a new trim called Nordico, making it the most eco-friendly Volvo interior yet. Volvo says there will be almost 50kg of recycled materials inside every new EX90.

The new Volvo EX90 has seven seats, just like the Volvo XC90. The third row of seats will fold fully flat into the floor when not needed, opening up a large and roomy boot – and they should be comfortable and spacious enough even for young adults. Large windows give an airy feel.

New Volvo EX90 trim lines will follow today’s simplified range, comprising Core, Plus and Ultimate spec levels. Model grades and individual options are simplified, with choice focused around an expected range of seven different design ‘rooms’ to create your ideal look and feel.

New Volvo EX90: engines and gearboxes

The new Volvo EX90 will only offer electric powertrains. The Volvo EX90 will launch in twin-motor all-wheel drive guise. The regular Twin Motor version produces 408PS, for 0-62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds. The Twin Motor Performance version has 517PS, for 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.7 seconds. 

All new Volvos are electronically limited to a 112mph top speed. More affordable Single Motor new Volvo EX90 versions will follow in due course. 

The new Volvo EX90 has a huge 111kWh battery. The launch Twin Motor version will have a 363-mile range; the Twin Motor Performance model has a 360-mile range. In Single Motor guise, it is expected to give a driving range of up to 442 miles – more than 60 miles better than the top-spec BMW iX. The new Volvo EX90 will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, using a sufficiently powerful DC rapid charger.

The Google Maps infotainment system displays real-time availability of public charging points on the centre screen, and the new Volvo smartphone app allows owners to pay for their charging. The new Volvo EX90 also supports future Plug and Charge technology, which means owners can simply plug in and charge automatically – just like on a Tesla.

The new Volvo EX90 uses the latest SPA2 architecture. This has been created purely for electric vehicles, and it should help deliver standard-setting comfort and refinement. It also enables the batteries to be neatly integrated into the vehicle, for maximum space efficiency.

Find a used Volvo XC90 for sale

The current Volvo XC90 remains a fine luxury seven-seat SUV – particularly as Volvo has confirmed it is to remain on sale for the foreseeable future. It looks upmarket and commanding, is good to drive, and has a really practical interior. 

It’s been on sale since 2015 and you can find early cars on heycar from just £26,000 today. We spotted a 2015 car in sporty R Design spec with 52,000 miles for just under £29,000, which looks a very solid deal.

• Find a used Volvo XC90 for sale

Looking for more new car news?

We have the latest 2022 new car news on upcoming models such as the new Volvo EX90’s performance SUV cousin, the Polestar 3. And if a luxury electric SUV is more your thing, take a look at the new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. We have also revealed all you need to know about the new 2024 MINI Electric.